With membership declining, Lions aim to inspire a new generation of volunteers

The St. Marys Lions Club continues its dedication to serving the community. Pictured are members of the St. Marys Lions Club at the second annual Legion Chili Cookoff.

By Alex Hunt

The St. Marys Lions Club is calling for new members as it continues supporting local programs and events.

To help with the growing concern of the club members aging out, Lions member Dawn Reynen hopes the group will increase its membership this year. Reynen said the struggle is shared on an international level.

“Eventually, the Lions won’t exist,” said Reynen. “We currently have 13 active members. We’ve discussed being more proactive, but it’s difficult; we’re just not attracting younger members.”

Reynen said the club’s struggle could be tied to the town’s aging demographic, with only 800 residents under the age of 40.

“Stratford is facing the same issue; their club is just as small as ours, even though they have a bigger centre,” said Reynen. “I don’t think many people realize that a significant number of events, like fairs and Santa Claus parades, are organized by service clubs.”

This month, Lions members are delivering food for the Meals on Wheels. An initiative facilitated by the Friendship Centre and prepared by St. Marys Memorial Hospital staff, Meals on Wheels is a program that delivers cooked lunches to seniors and residents with varying abilities.

Next month, each member will sell milk chocolate Easter Bunnies, packaged with the Lions emblem, for the Solid Milk Chocolate Easter Bunnies fundraiser. The Lions Club purchase the bunnies from Donini Chocolate in Belleville. The Lions will also serve a pancake breakfast at McCully’s Hill Farm on the last Sunday of March.

The Lions will hold a community dinner at the St. Marys United Church in April. The dinner is by donation only and will include a variety of chicken, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes and a dessert.

To join the Lions Club, residents can approach members at community events. They can also be reached by email at stmlions1940@gmail.com or by calling 519-317-3473.

“Being part of the Lions is about giving back to the community, and that’s always been there for us,” said Reynen. “It’s a good feeling to know the time we spend, whether it’s serving dinners, delivering meals, or selling chocolate, is actually helping people right here in town.”